Indian duo racks up stunning statistics

Dhawan and Kohli continue hot streaks; the opener against Sri Lanka and the skipper in winning chases

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Sri Lanka fans will be hoping India choose to give Shikhar Dhawan a rest in Thursday's second ODI in Kandy, with the dashing opener enjoying a stunning run of form against the island nation.

In 2017, Dhawan has amassed 615 runs at a Bradmanesque average of 123 against the Sri Lankans in the Test and 50-over formats, having last night thrashed a 71-ball hundred in India's thumping nine-wicket win in the ODI series opener in Dambulla.

"I would like to keep performing well; that would be my goal because if I don't perform there are such great batsmen in our side that anyone can take the place," the 31-year-old said.

"When I was not doing well I was just focusing on my processes. And when I am doing well, I am still focusing on my processes.

"I feel failure teaches you a lot and I am lucky I have learnt so much out of that."

Dhawan only returned to the Test side for the Sri Lanka series due to an illness to young star KL Rahul, however his stunning 190 on the opening day of the first Test forced the selectors to keep him on, and he repaid the faith in the third Test with a fine 119.

Dhawan storms Galle for century in a session

Those runs came after he made 125 against the Sri Lankans in the Champions Trophy in June, and the left-hander says he plans on keeping his place in India's all-conquering line-up despite stiff competition from no shortage of up-and-comers.

"I would like to keep my fitness on a high level because all the young boys are there (pushing me)," he said.

Not to be outdone, Virat Kohli's 80no overnight saw the India captain move his average in successful ODI run chases to a remarkable 100.02.

Kohli hundred buries Sri Lanka

Of the 103 players to have scored 1,000 ODI runs in winning chases, Kohli's average is top of the tree, with his teammate MS Dhoni (97.36) in second spot, and Australian Michael Bevan (86.25) in third.